AUVAC

AUV System Spec Sheet

AutoNaut USV platform

Manufacturer: MOST (Autonomous Vessels)

Summary

THE AUTONAUT USV
 
The AutoNaut has a scalable wave propulsion technology – this is beyond doubt where foils have been used on fishing vessels such as the Norwegian: Kystfangst and the Russian trawler: Nikolaev. A larger boat could have more speed, except that the WAFT project found that 3 knots was about the gain for wave-foil assisted propulsion. We don’t have more details unfortunately – and the two projects share a common bond. That is not to say that the MOST system cannot provide MORE.
 
AutoNaut’s new operating potential includes new ways to deploy a range of sensors. The list will grow but indicatively sensors currently being deployed and discussed with customers are:
 
MAST – AirMar weather station. Campbell Scientific insolation sensor.
 
HULL – Teledyne Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, Wetlabs Triplet Puck, RBR Concerto CDT, a range of multi-beam echo sounders and sonars for pipeline survey, mine detection and other purposes, cytobot and ocean acidification sensors, thermistor and acoustic arrays.
 
Other applications under test are towing (performed well) and the incorporation of a winch.

AUTONAUT’S SPECIFICATIONS
 

• Platform Monohull
• Dimensions 3.5m LOA, X 0.43m beam
• Draft 0.3m
• Displacement 120 Kgs
• Average speed 2 – 3 knots
• Endurance 3+ months
• Observability Silent, minimal visual and radar signature
• Transportation / shipping Two person portable / Air freight compatible

 
OPERATIONS
 

• Mission control Autonomous pre-set missions; update via remote control using web interface.  Chart based graphic user interface (GUI). Waypoint navigation
• Status monitoring Delivered to remote GUI, with SMS and email alerts for alarms/warnings.  Programmable exclusion zones
• Autonomous navigation
• Waypoint navigation including station keeping & grid transects. Autonomous collision avoidance with AIS
• Launch / recovery Launch from slipway or boat gantry/crane; sail away under local/manual control.  Recovery from slipway or alongside by gantry.

 
NAVIGATION
 
Heading sensor Digital compass module
GPS GPS receiver module
Navigation accuracy 3m minimum
Station keeping 35m radius in sea state 1 (current < 1.0 knot)
 
POWER
 
Propulsion Direct wave powered (pitch and roll). Aux propulsion (~1kt) for flat calm conditions
Battery 720Wh lead gel
Solar PV 125Wp
Generator 45 watt methanol fuel cell, 20 litres fuel (22kWh of power)
Payload power 20W @ 50% duty cycle for 90 days.  Peak power 200W for 2 hours
 
COMMUNICATION
 
Comms channels Iridium global sat comm;  UHF; local/manual XBEE PRO 913MHz
 
PAYLOAD
 
Weight / volume Dedicated 60kg / 100 litres (double if fuel cell not required)
Architecture Modular and distributed: through hull, mast up to 2m, towed array
Base payload AIS receiver, water temp sensor, AirMar 150WX weather station
 
SAFETY
 
Emergency location 2 all-round white LEDs.  Iridium GPS tracker
Health monitoring Bilge and temp sensors
Battery compliance 2 separate batteries.  Intelligent charge controller to isolate faulty cells
Marine environment No danger to marine life.  Zero emission vessel.  All leading edges angled aft to minimise possibility of entanglement; draft 0.3m.